Distance: 100.1 miles
Max speed: 36.3 mph
Average speed: 14.4 mph
Time on bike: 6:56:46
Total Training Distance: 1387.1 miles
Total Time on trainer: 10.0 hours
Links to pictures -
Skip - Tahoe 2007 Pics
Skip - Tahoe 2007 Slideshow
Clint - Tahoe 2007 Team Pics
Mission accomplished! We made it! Our team crossed the finish line after riding 100 miles in The Most Beautiful Bike Ride in America!
It was an amazing weekend. I was one of 24 cyclists representing the Central Florida Chapter. There were a total of 3000 cyclists for the ride with 2000 of them being Team in Training participants. It was amazing at the start to see the line of TNT green and purple extending as far forward and rearward as you could see.
On Saturday morning, Mark took the team up the climb to Inspiration Point. He reported it was as tough as Sugarloaf Mountain BUT twice as long. That got our attention. So off we went. The first 8 miles or so were nice and flat-a good range to warm up. Then we started climbing. We hit some rollers which weren't too bad. And then, all of a sudden, we hit the first long stretch which was a challenge, turned the corner and hit three successive switchbacks with some monster inclines. I have never had to stop on a hill, and I wasn't going to start now. But I made a mistake. I found myself pushing too hard and was out of breath. I couldn't catch my breath with the thin air at the altitude (6828 feet). At one point, I thought I might pass out. But, I remembered my training on Sugarloaf, slowed my pace down to let my breathing control my pedaling, and then used the places that flattened out some to catch my breath. I made it up but, for a while, I was sucking dust off the road, I was breathing so hard.
The team all made it up and we spent at least 30 minutes taking pics and just generally cutting up. What a fun team we have. The scenery from Inspiration Point is simply awesome. Anyway, the descent down was as fun as the climb up was challenging.
When I arrived back at the hotel, I took Melanie out for some lunch and then took her up to Inspiration Point to check out the scenery. She couldn't believe I had climbed up there on a bike. And, she couldn't believe the drop offs on each side of the road either.
The pasta party later Saturday night was very cool. As we walked to the ballroom, all the TNT staff and coaches lined up to cheer us. It was great. The MC for the event announced some of the all-star fund raisers. The top fundraiser brought in over $52k! And, the whole event raised $8.5 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Awesome! We also listened to one of our fellow cyclists who was diagnosed with lymphoma and then lost his son to leukemia. There was not a dry eye in the house.
Saturday night, I slept well up until about 3:00 AM. Then I was too excited to go back to sleep. I checked the temperature at 5:00. It was 38 degrees. Knowing that it was supposed to get warm later in the day, I put on layers that I could peel off. Its a good thing I dressed warmly as it was cold up until about 10:00.
We assembled outside the hotel. Melissa, Liz, Jody, Denise and I formed our own group which I affectionately named the Pacemakers. I didn't need to finish fast. My only goal was to finish in a respectable time.
We headed out at a good pace--approximately 18 mph. We hit the climb to Inspiration Point with me pulling the group. This time I learned my lesson from Saturday and climbed nice and steady up the hill, letting my breathing control my pedaling. Even with the altitude, I had no trouble getting up.
The descent down from Inspiration Point was a blast. In two miles you descend about 450 feet in these nice winding turns. Its a lot of fun.
Anyway, after Inspiration Point, the next 50 miles or so are relatively flat with some rollers thrown in. Both Melissa and Denise developed flats along the way and Liz needed some chain lube as her bike was squeeching pretty bad. We managed to get all the mechanical difficulties resolved and headed into Kings Beach for lunch where we met Melanie and some of the other family members who cheered us in. We were at mile 70 and it wasn't too bad so far. But Spooner was ahead of us.
We regrouped after lunch and then headed off again. Melissa was in the lead, and for some reason was really hammering. There were several serious hills even before Spooner. I couldn't imagine what she was thinking as one of the two biggest climbs was still ahead of us. So I let her go. I settled back into a nice slow steady pace and chewed up the miles while conserving as much energy as I could.
At mile 81, I arrived at the bottom of Spooner and started climbing. Spooner isn't as steep as Sugarloaf or even the climb to Inspiration Point. But its a steady climb with difficult inclines in places. Its unrelenting and goes on for eight long miles. About half way up I passed Melissa who had to walk some. Then I passed Jody, who was also walking with Mark, who had come back to help her up. Mark ended up catching up to me and we rode the last half of the ascent to the top. It was nice to ride with him as we were able to talk some and it took my mind off the pain of continually pushing your legs to keep pedaling. Before I knew it we were at the top and taking a nice long break. Only ten more miles to go.
Melissa and I took off again and shot down the backside of Spooner. We decended 700 feet in four miles. It was the most fun part of the course as we were going fast, riding the sweeping curves, and we were chewing up miles fast. But we got to the bottom and still had three descent hills left. By then our legs were spent and it was just heart that kept our legs moving, propelling us up the hills.
At about 3 miles out, I could smell the finish line. I started hammering and lost Melissa. And, then as I turned the corner, the hotels of South Tahoe appeared. At this point, they looked like The Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. Everyone around me cheered and we all slowed down to take the last bit of the ride talking and joking.
We crossed the finish line with hundreds of people cheering. It was without a doubt one of the best days of my life. My teammates who had already finished handed me an ice cold beer. It was the best tasting beer I had ever had. Melanie came up and gave me a hug and told me she was proud of me.
The team waited at the finish line for the last of our team. We cheered them in. We all made it.
I can not relate what a feeling it is to finish this endurance event. It meant so much to me on so many levels. I can't begin to relate how impressed I am with our coaches, Mark and Jay, without whom I could not have done this. Its funny. As I turn 48, I thought my athletic days were just about over. Thanks to them, I realize those days have just begun.
And, finally, I have to thank everyone who donated for allowing me to go to Tahoe and representing us all. We raised over $7500. But, more importantly, we participated in the event which raised $8.5 million dollars to help others cope with a terrible disease.
Thank you everyone. It was an amazing weekend. I'll never forget it.
(Stayed tuned... I am thinking of training for a half or full marathon in January!)
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Lake Tahoe - 6/1/07
We're here and its absolutely gorgeous!
My daughter and I stayed at the Hyatt at the Orlando airport as we had to meet the team at 5:30 AM. Everyone who was supposed to have traveled with the team made it. Despite the early morning hours, we were all very excited!
One of the cool things to happen came as we taxied out to the runway at Salt Lake City for the last leg of the trip. The head flight attendant pointed out all the white TNT shirts and announced that 62 Team-In-Training people were on the plane and just the TNT people on this plane had raised $330k for the cause! And we were only one plane!
Anyway, we had planned to take a bike ride when we arrived but it got rained out. So, Melanie and I met up with some of the team members at the Zephyr Cove Restaurant and had a nice dinner before heading out on a sunset cruise on the lake. The sunset was gorgeous. I took some pictures with my new compact digital camera. I'll post them sometime tomorrow.
Til then...
My daughter and I stayed at the Hyatt at the Orlando airport as we had to meet the team at 5:30 AM. Everyone who was supposed to have traveled with the team made it. Despite the early morning hours, we were all very excited!
One of the cool things to happen came as we taxied out to the runway at Salt Lake City for the last leg of the trip. The head flight attendant pointed out all the white TNT shirts and announced that 62 Team-In-Training people were on the plane and just the TNT people on this plane had raised $330k for the cause! And we were only one plane!
Anyway, we had planned to take a bike ride when we arrived but it got rained out. So, Melanie and I met up with some of the team members at the Zephyr Cove Restaurant and had a nice dinner before heading out on a sunset cruise on the lake. The sunset was gorgeous. I took some pictures with my new compact digital camera. I'll post them sometime tomorrow.
Til then...
Monday, May 28, 2007
Training Log - 5/28/07
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 10.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Woke up this morning and hit the exercise bikes at the hotel. Another good workout. I will bike for another day or two before allowing myself a couple of days of rest before the trip.
My girlfriend bought me a nice compact digital camera for the trip. Its really awesome how everyone has rallied to make this event such a success. So many people have joined our team by making very generous donations. Several people not only gave generously but also brought in donations from other people, many of whom I don't even know. My great friend, Betsy, hooked me up with the reporter from the Florida Today to do the newspaper article early on. My kids have been so supportive. Our coach and the rest of the team have been so supportive as well. Its been an awesome experience all the way around.
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 10.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Woke up this morning and hit the exercise bikes at the hotel. Another good workout. I will bike for another day or two before allowing myself a couple of days of rest before the trip.
My girlfriend bought me a nice compact digital camera for the trip. Its really awesome how everyone has rallied to make this event such a success. So many people have joined our team by making very generous donations. Several people not only gave generously but also brought in donations from other people, many of whom I don't even know. My great friend, Betsy, hooked me up with the reporter from the Florida Today to do the newspaper article early on. My kids have been so supportive. Our coach and the rest of the team have been so supportive as well. Its been an awesome experience all the way around.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Training Log - 5/27/07 (Mickey Mouse ears)
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 9.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
I love my recovery weekends. I actually get to kick back and do things like read a book or watch the Indianapolis 500. No groceries, laundry, house cleaning, or cooking!
OK... so here's an idea. At the team party last week, we had to decide how we are going to decorate our helmets to distinguish the cyclists on our team from everyone else. We decided to mount these little plastic Mickey Mouses atop our brain buckets. Pretty cool. But, for next year, I'm thinking we need to keep with the mouse theme but do what they do for the Truly Nolan cars. That is, spring loaded Mickey Mouse ears that flatten down in the wind. And, attached to the back of our helmets, a long thin mouse tail. So, what do you think of that idea?
I am so looking forward to this ride in Tahoe. I called and made a reservation for my daughter and I for a sunset cruise on the lake for Friday night. I want to make sure she has a good time as well and feels like she is a part of this too. She is. She has been very supportive of my doing this. She is part of my team.
Oh, yeah... the training thing... I spent another hour on the exercise bikes here. It really is a pretty good work out. After about 10 minutes I've worked up a good sweat and am breathing hard. The simulation of hills is great.
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 9.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
I love my recovery weekends. I actually get to kick back and do things like read a book or watch the Indianapolis 500. No groceries, laundry, house cleaning, or cooking!
OK... so here's an idea. At the team party last week, we had to decide how we are going to decorate our helmets to distinguish the cyclists on our team from everyone else. We decided to mount these little plastic Mickey Mouses atop our brain buckets. Pretty cool. But, for next year, I'm thinking we need to keep with the mouse theme but do what they do for the Truly Nolan cars. That is, spring loaded Mickey Mouse ears that flatten down in the wind. And, attached to the back of our helmets, a long thin mouse tail. So, what do you think of that idea?
I am so looking forward to this ride in Tahoe. I called and made a reservation for my daughter and I for a sunset cruise on the lake for Friday night. I want to make sure she has a good time as well and feels like she is a part of this too. She is. She has been very supportive of my doing this. She is part of my team.
Oh, yeah... the training thing... I spent another hour on the exercise bikes here. It really is a pretty good work out. After about 10 minutes I've worked up a good sweat and am breathing hard. The simulation of hills is great.
Training Log - 5/26/07
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 8.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Just like we on the cycling team plan our rest and recovery from training, I also plan personal rest and recovery weekends for myself. And, since your body treats stress the same whether its stress from physical training or from just a crazy busy life, this is a good time for a personal recovery weekend. I don't need more stress a week before our big ride. Plus, I get to spend the better part of a four day weekend with my girlfriend in DC.
Anyway, I found it pretty tough to get time in on the bike this past week. I was a little light on training. So I picked a hotel in DC with a nice exercise room which features Lifecycle exercise bikes. I dialed in the "Hill Plus" training setting and set it on 15 of 25 for intensity for 30 minutes on both the upright and recumbant exercise bikes. It's kind of funny but each of those bikes exercise a slightly different set of leg muscles. It was a good workout though. It got my heart rate up between 120 and 140, and it gave my legs a good workout.
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 8.0 hours
Weight: ???.? lbs
Just like we on the cycling team plan our rest and recovery from training, I also plan personal rest and recovery weekends for myself. And, since your body treats stress the same whether its stress from physical training or from just a crazy busy life, this is a good time for a personal recovery weekend. I don't need more stress a week before our big ride. Plus, I get to spend the better part of a four day weekend with my girlfriend in DC.
Anyway, I found it pretty tough to get time in on the bike this past week. I was a little light on training. So I picked a hotel in DC with a nice exercise room which features Lifecycle exercise bikes. I dialed in the "Hill Plus" training setting and set it on 15 of 25 for intensity for 30 minutes on both the upright and recumbant exercise bikes. It's kind of funny but each of those bikes exercise a slightly different set of leg muscles. It was a good workout though. It got my heart rate up between 120 and 140, and it gave my legs a good workout.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Training Log - 5/24/07
Time on trainer: 1.0 hours
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 7.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
Last night was the Bon Voyage meeting/briefing with the team. My daughter attended as well. It was fun getting together with the team in a setting that didn't involve a bike. Everyone is excited about the event. Only one more week to go before we leave for Tahoe!
On my way to the party, I dropped off my bike to be shipped. Tonight, I pulled out an older road bike a friend of mine was gracious enough to lend me. Since it was raining, I put it on the trainer and pedaled for an hour. Actually, I did 4-15 minute sprints. It was good as I haven't ridden at all since our last team ride on Sunday.
Tomorrow I fly to DC for the long weekend. I made sure the hotel I am staying at has an exercise room with several exercise bikes. I can't do the spinning class with the rest of the team on Saturday, but I can hit the exercise bikes where I am staying.
I can't wait for Tahoe!
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 7.0 hours
Weight: 184.6 lbs
Last night was the Bon Voyage meeting/briefing with the team. My daughter attended as well. It was fun getting together with the team in a setting that didn't involve a bike. Everyone is excited about the event. Only one more week to go before we leave for Tahoe!
On my way to the party, I dropped off my bike to be shipped. Tonight, I pulled out an older road bike a friend of mine was gracious enough to lend me. Since it was raining, I put it on the trainer and pedaled for an hour. Actually, I did 4-15 minute sprints. It was good as I haven't ridden at all since our last team ride on Sunday.
Tomorrow I fly to DC for the long weekend. I made sure the hotel I am staying at has an exercise room with several exercise bikes. I can't do the spinning class with the rest of the team on Saturday, but I can hit the exercise bikes where I am staying.
I can't wait for Tahoe!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Training Log - 5/20/07 (I Found My Thrill on Sugarloaf Hill)
Distance: 60.8 miles
Max speed: 40.5 mph
Average speed: 14.9 mph
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Today's ride was the last ride with the team for this event. While I won't miss getting up at 4:30 in the morning to drive to Clermont, I will miss these rides with the team. All of my team mates have been friendly and supportive. And, Mark, our coach, has been awesome! We should start referring to him as Obi-Wan. ;-)
Anyway, I started out the ride feeling awesome. My legs were strong and had no problem keeping up or climbing. As a matter of fact, I was feeling so good that I decided to attack one of the challenging hills. I was going 20+ mph half way up when on of my team mates slipped her chain and fell right in front of me! I had to swerve quickly in order to keep from testing the structural integrity of her helmet. In the end, I think she escaped with just some scrapes and bruises. She probably won't be feeling too good when she wakes up tomorrow morning.
At mile 40, we hit Sugarloaf. I still felt good and decided to hit the hill with vigor. I started in the back and managed to pass everyone on the way to the top. Then I rode back down and hit it again. The second pass was tough and I thought I was going to lose my groceries as I crested the hill. But I made it.
The problem I have is, when I do repeats on Sugarloaf, I'm spent afterwards. The rest of the ride is tough. I have trouble doing the 18-20 mph the rest of the team wants to ride at. I still seem to be able to climb OK though but sustained effort is hard.
So, of course, the team decided to add a few miles onto this ride and tackle the hills around Citrus Tower. *laugh* The extra loop we took added some challenging climbs to our ride. And that was a good thing.
I can always tell when we have had a good team ride by what I do when I get home. I came home today, sat down in my chair and promptly fell fast asleep. I was zonked. Right now, my legs are tired but in a good way.
Max speed: 40.5 mph
Average speed: 14.9 mph
Total Training Distance: 1262.0 miles
Total Time on trainer: 6.0 hours
Weight: 186.0 lbs
Today's ride was the last ride with the team for this event. While I won't miss getting up at 4:30 in the morning to drive to Clermont, I will miss these rides with the team. All of my team mates have been friendly and supportive. And, Mark, our coach, has been awesome! We should start referring to him as Obi-Wan. ;-)
Anyway, I started out the ride feeling awesome. My legs were strong and had no problem keeping up or climbing. As a matter of fact, I was feeling so good that I decided to attack one of the challenging hills. I was going 20+ mph half way up when on of my team mates slipped her chain and fell right in front of me! I had to swerve quickly in order to keep from testing the structural integrity of her helmet. In the end, I think she escaped with just some scrapes and bruises. She probably won't be feeling too good when she wakes up tomorrow morning.
At mile 40, we hit Sugarloaf. I still felt good and decided to hit the hill with vigor. I started in the back and managed to pass everyone on the way to the top. Then I rode back down and hit it again. The second pass was tough and I thought I was going to lose my groceries as I crested the hill. But I made it.
The problem I have is, when I do repeats on Sugarloaf, I'm spent afterwards. The rest of the ride is tough. I have trouble doing the 18-20 mph the rest of the team wants to ride at. I still seem to be able to climb OK though but sustained effort is hard.
So, of course, the team decided to add a few miles onto this ride and tackle the hills around Citrus Tower. *laugh* The extra loop we took added some challenging climbs to our ride. And that was a good thing.
I can always tell when we have had a good team ride by what I do when I get home. I came home today, sat down in my chair and promptly fell fast asleep. I was zonked. Right now, my legs are tired but in a good way.
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